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Golden Gate of Rohtas

Rohtas Fort was built in the 16th century by King Farid Khan, also known as Sher Shah Suri, to block the advance of the ousted Mughal Emperor Humayun and his allies towards India.

The fort is situated about 8km from Dina, close to the city of Jhelum, which itself is said to be founded by Alexander the Great. The Battle of the Hydaspes River (River Jhelum) is also said to have been fought somewhere nearby.

With a circumference of 5km, a 10-15 meter thick outer wall and three baolis (stepwells) to supply the residents, the fort was built to sustain a prolonged siege. Able to house an army of 30,000, it would have posed quite a challenge to anyone who laid siege to it. However, it never came under attack and passed to Humayun’s allies, the Gakhars, after Sher Shah Suri’s death and the former’s return to the throne.

The Shah Chandwali gate pictured here, acts as the link between the citadel and the rest of the fort and is one of the most exquisite and intact structures within the fort.